Physical Activity Level and Perception of Exercise in Cystic Fibrosis

BACKGROUND: More patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) are living longer, and lifestyle-related behavior is becoming increasingly important for improving morbidity and mortality. Declining levels of exercise leads to low cardiorespiratory fitness, which is a strong, independent predictor of mortality in patients with CF. As a result, exercise training has become a commonly accepted form of treatment for patients with CF. The purpose of this study was to determine physical activity levels and perception of exercise in adult patients with CF.

METHODS: Adult patients from an in-patient CF unit were recruited to participate. A structured interview and self-report questionnaires were used to collect information on levels of physical activity and exercise perception including preferences, readiness, and barriers.

RESULTS: Forty-six adult patients with CF consented to participate in the interview and completed self-report questionnaires. Subjects self-reported that the majority (84%) of their time was spent performing physical activity at a moderate level, with mean ± SD of 11.8 ± 12.2 h per week of moderate physical activity. Vigorous physical activity was described as hard and very hard physical activity, with a mean ± SD of 1.8 ± 4.6 h (13%) and 0.4 ± 1.6 h (3%), respectively. Most of the adult subjects with CF preferred walking, and 65% of them felt that exercise was very important. Lack of energy, lack of good health, lack of self-discipline, and lack of time were noted as the most frequent barriers to exercise.

CONCLUSION: In this study, adult subjects with CF self-reported performing an adequate amount of moderate physical activity, although only a small proportion of time was spent at a vigorous level of physical activity. Clinicians providing rehabilitation have an opportunity to improve adherence to prescribed exercise by understanding the impact that physiological and psychological factors have on patients with CF. Further, motivating patients with CF to engage in more vigorous physical activity may provide a stimulus that improves clinical outcomes and potentially survival.